This content requires Adobe Flash Player version
or later.
Either you do not have Adobe Flash Player installed,
or your version is too old,
or there is a problem with your Flash installation and we were unable to detect it.

■ play it safe Kitchen Safety Tips You Can Live By Keep Your Kitchen Safe

Cook up a happy holiday by making kitchen safety a top priority

BYGUY DALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY &#38; LOSS CONTROL

‘m no expert at holiday cooking, but I am very accomplished at sampling the end results. Over the years, my forays into the kitchen to test various holiday desserts and snacks has proven to me that the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

I

Unfortunately, it’s also where two out of every five home fires start. Adding to this tragedy, many of these fires occur during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year —the holidays. For most families, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve are wrapped up in a tradition of cooking. That’s why I’m reminding you to make safety a priority in the kitchen. As we enter the holidays, please review these the safety tips below, and correct any potential kitchen hazards.

•

Never leave cooking equipment unattended, and always remember to turn off burners if you have to leave the room.

•

Supervise little ones closely in the kitchen. Make sure kids stay at least three feet away from all cooking appliances.

•

Prevent potential fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean and free of grease, dust and spilled food.

• Remember to clean the exhaust hood and duct over your stove on a regular basis.

•

Keep the cooking area around the stove and oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins and potholders.

•

Always wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire.

12 | november 2014 • • •

To protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands.

•

Locate all countertop appliances away from the sink, and make sure they are plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets.

Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.

Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.

•

Be sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and please stay safe.

To visit with Guy Dale about a safety issue or to schedule a safety program or CPR course, please call Guy at 800-780-6486, ext. 227.